Google Messages rolling out Enhanced Protection mode against spam and scams

Google Messages for Android is rolling out Enhanced Protection mode to combat spam and scams, building upon the existing Standard Protection feature. This new mode leverages advanced detection capabilities powered by cloud Gemini models to quickly assess the intent behind messages from unknown senders, better identifying novel and sophisticated attacks.

Scam Detection utilizes Android's Private AI Compute feature to securely process messages locally on the device, ensuring privacy and protection. Additionally, Enhanced Protection includes improved link protections, using the on-device Gemini Nano model and real-time web signals to assess the trustworthiness of unfamiliar links before users tap on them.

This feature is currently available on select devices such as the Pixel 10+, Samsung Galaxy S26 series, Z Flip 8, Z Fold 8, and other select devices. The final update also redesigns warning prompts to provide users with additional time and context to pause before engaging with links from untrusted sources. Enhanced Protection is an opt-in feature that can be enabled through Google Messages settings under Protection & safety, with three different options available. The feature is currently in the latest Google Messages beta version 20261020_00_RC00.

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